Professor Guillermo J. Grenier
 
 

Please be ready to answer all of these questions during your final exam, scheduled for April 23, 2001, at 6:25-9:05 p.m., in this room. As usual, the most thorough and detailed answers will be looked upon most favorably.

1. Look at the diagrams provided in class which outline some key elements in the general theories of Weber and Durkheim. Compare the two perspectives. Describe their commonalities as well as the themes which they treat differently.

2. Marx and Weber viewed the role of ideas and beliefs in society differently. What are the major differences in their views?

3. Marx and Weber differed in their views of capitalism. How? Give examples to show how they differed on this issue.

4. Marx and Weber spent a considerable time analyzing social stratification and social classes. Compare their views on these issues.

5. Marx, Weber and Durkheim each had different views on the general relationship between the individual and society. Compare their views.

6. Some analysts view Weber as being primarily an "idealist" while others emphasize his "materialists" perspectives. What evidence is there for either argument?

7. Compare some of the key perspectives of the theorist you discussed in class with key elements of the works in Marx, Weber and Durkheim.

8. In your opinion, which theorist presented in the course leaves us with the most optimistic view of the future of society? The most pessimistic?

9. What forces contribute to creating social change, according to each of our theorists? Conversely, what forces tend to contribute to cohesion in society?

10. Which theorist did you like the best? Why?